The phenomenon of eutrophication of the seas — that is, the increase in algae caused by the presence of substances such as nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur dissolved in the water — has disastrous effects on the aquatic ecosystem. The proliferation of plant organisms, such as algae, leads to oxygen depletion and blocks the circulation of sea currents, preventing the normal growth and development of marine fauna. The cause of these environmental disasters is mankind's disregard for the planet and for the lives of future generations. The ruthless exploitation of the sea by the fishing industry, global warming, and toxic industrial or domestic waste discharged into the water are the cause of eutrophication and therefore of the loss of marine habitats.

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Groups of scientists around the world are dedicating themselves to solving this growing problem through various systems for collecting excess algae for the production of biofuels and biogas. One example is the Seafarm project promoted by KTH University in Sweden. The researchers led by Professor Fredrik Grondahl have succeeded in producing biogas from algae collected along the coasts of the city of Stromstad, estimating that the excess algae along the coast of Trelleborg could yield the equivalent of 2.8 million litres of diesel. The figures published by Enea on the comparison of algae yields with oilseed crops for biodiesel production are significant. From one hectare of land planted with maize, 152 kilograms of biofuel are obtained; 562 from soya, rising to 51,927 from low-oil microalgae and 121,104 kilograms from high-oil microalgae.

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A similar project has emerged in Italy at Marghera (Venice), where the Venice Port Authority and Elnag s.r.l. have committed to building a biomass plant for the production of energy from diatom algae. This type of alga, native to the Venetian lagoon, is collected and placed in incubators where, through photosynthesis, hydrogen and carbon monoxide are produced and, after passing through a gas turbine, converted into energy sufficient to supply the plant itself, the entire port and part of the historic city centre.

The European Union's objective is to increase the production of biofuels from algae by 10 per cent by 2020, demonstrating that the processing of algae is truly the frontier of a new economy — a sustainable productive development to save the planet.